In reform decisions, somebody knew consequences

“Nobody knew that health care could be so complicated,” sputtered the leader, as it finally dawned on him that, no matter how many times he snapped his fingers, he couldn’t conjure up effective and affordable medical coverage for millions of Americans.

Pleased by the media’s response, “Nobody knew. . . ” became his signature line. “Nobody knew that foreign leaders could be so sensitive,” he liked to say after hanging up the phone. “Nobody knew that it could cost so much to build a wall from San Diego to Brownsville,” he explained to a skeptical Congress. “Nobody knew . . .” turned out to have a million uses.

By 2020, so-called education reformers had adopted “Nobody knew . . . ” as part of their mantra to excuse their lack of success at improving America’s public schools.

“Nobody knew that teaching a child to read could be such hard and essential work.”

“Nobody knew that expelling children from school could mean an end to their education.”

“Nobody knew that cutting school budgets could have such an effect on student services.”

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One Comment

This is one of the most powerful statements about education that I have ever read. Kudos for being informed and direct about WHAT WE KNOW. And for caring enough about students- and teachers- to say this right now.